Where can I try trekking poles before buying in the UK (outdoor shops)?

You can try trekking poles at several major UK outdoor retailers. Decathlon has a wide range of budget and mid‑range poles, with display models you can extend and hold in most large stores. Cotswold Outdoor offers premium brands like Leki, Black Diamond, and Komperdell, with knowledgeable staff who can help you test different grips and locking systems. Go Outdoors has a large selection from budget to premium, and you can handle display models and adjust length. Ellis Brigham (specialist mountaineering shops in Snowdonia and the Lake District) has a smaller range but expert advice, particularly for premium winter poles. Mountain Warehouse offers budget‑friendly poles with basic models you can test. Local independent shops in walking areas such as Keswick, Fort William, and Ambleside often have a good selection and staff who are walkers themselves.

Pro tips: Call ahead to check if they have display models available. Wear the shoes you'll walk in—they affect the correct length. Try different grips (cork vs foam) and locking systems (lever vs twist) to see what feels comfortable. Don't be shy—ask to extend and adjust the poles, and mimic a walking motion.

1. Why trying before buying matters

Trekking poles are a personal piece of equipment. What works for one person may not work for another. The grip shape, the feel of the lock, the weight, and the strap comfort are all highly subjective. You cannot judge these from an online photo or review. Trying a pole in person allows you to:

• Check the grip comfort – Does it fit your hand? Is it too large or too small? Is the material comfortable (cork, foam, or rubber)?
• Test the lock – Is the lever or twist lock easy to operate? Does it feel secure?
• Assess the weight – Is the pole too heavy for you? Can you swing it comfortably?
• Check the length – Set the pole to your correct length and see if it feels natural.

2. Decathlon – the widest range for budget and mid‑range

• What they offer – Decathlon has a large selection of their own Forclaz range, from the budget MT100 to the popular MT900. They also stock some Leki and other brands in larger stores.
• In‑store experience – Most large stores have display models that you can extend and hold. Staff are generally helpful and can advise on basic features.
• What to look for – Try the MT900 (cork grip, lever lock) and compare it with the MT100 (foam grip, twist lock) to feel the difference.
• Locations – Decathlon has stores in most major cities (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, etc.).

3. Cotswold Outdoor – premium brands and expert advice

• What they offer – Cotswold Outdoor stocks premium brands: Leki, Black Diamond, Komperdell, and sometimes Pacerpole. They have a good range of aluminium and carbon poles.
• In‑store experience – Staff are knowledgeable and can explain the differences between models. They may have a small area where you can test the poles (some branches have a small ramp or step to simulate terrain).
• What to look for – Try the Leki Makalu (SpeedLock Plus) and compare with the Black Diamond Trail Back (FlickLock) to see which locking system you prefer.
• Locations – Cotswold Outdoor has stores across the UK, often in city centres and walking areas.

4. Go Outdoors – a large selection with price‑match

• What they offer – Go Outdoors has a wide range from budget (Eurohike) to premium (Leki, Black Diamond). They often have more stock than other retailers.
• In‑store experience – You can handle display models and adjust the length. Staff can help, but the level of expertise varies.
• Price‑match – Go Outdoors offers a price‑match guarantee, so you can try in‑store and still get a competitive price.
• Locations – Go Outdoors has stores in many cities, often on retail parks.

5. Ellis Brigham – specialist advice for winter and mountain walking

• What they offer – A smaller selection but focused on premium, technical poles for winter and mountaineering.
• In‑store experience – Staff are often experienced mountaineers and can give expert advice on winter‑specific features.
• Locations – Ellis Brigham has stores in key mountain areas (e.g., Snowdonia, the Lake District, and some cities).

6. Mountain Warehouse – budget‑friendly options

• What they offer – Basic, budget‑friendly poles. A good place to start if you are new to poles and want to try before committing to a more expensive pair.
• In‑store experience – You can handle the poles and check the weight and grip.
• Locations – Mountain Warehouse has stores in many cities and shopping centres.

7. Local independent shops – the hidden gem

• What they offer – In walking areas (the Lake District, the Peak District, Snowdonia, the Scottish Highlands), independent shops often have a curated selection of quality poles.
• In‑store experience – Staff are usually walkers themselves and can give honest, practical advice. They may also have ex‑display models at a discount.
• Locations – Keswick, Ambleside, Fort William, Aviemore, Betws‑y‑Coed.

8. Tips for your visit

• Wear your walking shoes – The height of your shoes affects the correct pole length.
• Try different grips – Cork feels very different from foam or rubber.
• Test the lock – Operate the lever or twist lock a few times to see if it's smooth.
• Check the weight – A heavy pole may be fine for a short walk but tiring on a long one.
• Ask to set the correct length – Staff can show you how to set the height for your height (elbows at 90°).
• Mimic a walking motion – Don't just hold the pole – take a few steps to feel the weight and balance.

9. Final verdict

For the best experience, visit Cotswold Outdoor for premium brands and expert advice, or Decathlon for a wide range and competitive prices. Go Outdoors is a great one‑stop shop with a large selection, while Ellis Brigham is the place for winter and mountain specialists. For a more personal experience, support your local independent shop in a walking area. Always call ahead to check if they have display models. Trying a pole in person is the only way to know if it fits your hand, your walking style, and your budget. Happy testing.